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Similar righties Chatwood, Oswalt to finally meet

Similar righties Chatwood, Oswalt to finally meet

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By Thomas Harding
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MLB.com |

TORONTO -- Rockies right-hander Tyler Chatwood has been linked to veteran star Roy Oswalt throughout his career, even though the two have never met.

Both are wishfully listed at 6-feet tall (many size measurements on rosters and in media guides are not in line with reality). Sub-6-foot right-handers are rare because of a long term scouting prejudice that says their lack of height can lead to injury. This adage has been disproven by the Giants' Tim Lincecum and one-time Rockies righty Byung-Hyun Kim, but it will likely never go away in an era in which players all over the diamond are bigger than ever.

Chatwood, 23, said he's excited to finally meet Oswalt, 35, on Thursday, when Oswalt joins the Rockies for his start against the Nationals.

"I was compared to him because of stature and similar stuff -- a big curveball, velocity on the fastball," said Chatwood (4-1, 2.33 ERA in seven starts). "Anytime you hear that, it's a compliment.

"I don't know him at all, but I'll meet him tomorrow. I just enjoy the way he pitches. I remember growing up watching him with the Astros and the Phillies. I like the way he throws the ball, and I've heard a lot of good things about the way he competes."

Chatwood said he uses any criticism for lack of height positively.

"It doesn't bother me at all," he said. "It adds fuel to the fire. I can't control how tall I am, so it doesn't matter. I've got to go out there, handle my business and try to help my team."